
The contents of the book of Mark indi-
cate that it was written primarily for the
Romans and other Gentiles. It omits all
reference to the Jewish law; it gives no
genealogy of Christ which would reveal His
Hebrew lineage; it tells nothing concerning
His birth, and makes but slight reference to
the many prophecies that were fulfilled in
His life, death, and resurrection. It also
explains various words that would not be
easily understood by a Gentile reader. This
book, wholly removed from Jewish symbol-
ism, presents a divine Christ, a Worker of
mighty miracles, a Conqueror of death, and
the Organizer of a universal crusade for the
spiritual conquest of the world.
The book of Mark is the shortest of the
four Gospels. The style is vivid and pictur-
esque. This little volume opens with the
statement that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God, and portrays His life as crowded with
benevolent and supernatural deeds which
eloquently testify to His divinity.
Missionary Experiences
1.
What do we know of the home
environment of John Mark? Acts
12:12.
2.
With whom did John Mark first
begin to labor for Christ? Acts 12:25.
NOTE.—The Revised Standard Version
says: "And they had John to assist them."
4.
As the difficulties and perils of
the missionary journey increased, what
did John Mark do? Acts 13:13.
NOTE.—"It was here that Mark, over-
whelmed with fear and discouragement,
wavered for a time in his purpose to give
himself wholeheartedly to the Lord's work.
Unused to hardships, he was disheartened
by the perils and privations of the way. He
had labored with success under favor-
able circumstances; but now, amidst the
opposition and perils that so often beset the
pioneer worker, he failed to endure hardness
as a good soldier of the cross. He had yet
to learn to face danger and persecution and
adversity with a brave heart. As the apostles
advanced, and still greater difficulties were
apprehended, Mark was intimidated, and
losing all courage, refused to go farther, and
returned to Jerusalem."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 169, 170.
Return to the Gospel Ministry
5.
When Mark again volunteered
for the ministry, what incident oc-
curred? Acts 15:36-39.
NOTE.—"Barnabas himself was 'of the
country of Cyprus;' and now he and Paul,
accompanied by John Mark, a kinsman of
Barnabas, visited this island field.
"Mark's mother was a convert to the
Christian religion, and her home at Jeru-
salem was an asylum for the disciples. There
they were always sure of a welcome and a
season of rest. It was during one of these
visits of the apostles to his mother's home,
that Mark proposed to Paul and Barnabas
that he should accompany them on their
missionary tour. He felt the favor of God
in his heart, and longed to devote himself
entirely to the work of the gospel ministry."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 166, 167.
3. In what capacity did Mark ac-
company Paul and Barnabas on their
first missionary tour? Acts 13:5.
NorE.—"Barnabas was ready to go with
Paul, but wished to take with them Mark,
who had again decided to devote himself to
the ministry. To this Paul objected. He
`thought not good to take . . . with them'
one who during their first missionary jour-
ney had left them in a time of need. He was
not inclined to excuse Mark's weakness in
deserting the work for the safety and com-
forts of home. He urged that one with so
little stamina was unfitted for a work re-
quiring patience, self-denial, bravery, devo-
tion, faith, and a willingness to sacrifice, if
need be, even life itself."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 202.
6. While Paul was a prisoner in
Rome, what did he say about Mark?
2 Tim. 4:11; Col. 4:10; Philemon 24.